How to Write Job Descriptions for Offshore Hiring

Outsourcing has become a strategic move for many businesses looking to optimize costs and access a global talent pool. The Philippines, known for its skilled workforce and proficiency in English, is a popular destination for outsourcing. However, to attract the right talent and ensure clear communication, crafting a precise and effective job description is crucial. Here’s a guide on how to write a job description to find the right talent in the Philippines.

Keep It Simple and Clear

The foundation of a good job description is simplicity and clarity: what do you need and how do you want it done? Listings should avoid jargon or overly complex language. The goal is to make sure potential candidates can easily understand the role and its requirements. A clear job description also helps prevent misunderstandings down the road.

Example: Instead of writing, “We seek a dynamic individual to synergize cross-functional teams in a high-paced environment,” consider, “We are looking for someone with experience solving customer questions using Zendesk or Salesforce chat.”

Detail What the Role Truly Entails

Candidates need to know what their day-to-day will look like. Be honest about the role's challenges and rewards. This helps in setting realistic expectations and attracting candidates who are genuinely interested in and suited for the job.

Example (Video Editor): As a Video Editor, you will manage a variety of video projects — often under tight deadlines. You will be responsible for editing raw footage, adding effects, and ensuring high-quality output. Collaboration with other team members will be key to meeting project goals and maintaining brand consistency. You should be comfortable giving and receiving feedback on the vision and product along the way.

Be Specific

Specificity in job descriptions helps attract the right candidates and sets clear expectations. Detail the core responsibilities, necessary skills, and any specific qualifications.

Key Elements to Include:

• Job Title: Clearly state the job title.

• Role Summary: A brief overview of the role.

• Responsibilities: List key duties and tasks.

• Qualifications: Required education, skills, and experience.

• Tools and Software: Any specific tools or software in which the candidate needs to be proficient.

• Salary: Freelance workers in the Philippines typically operate at a $/hour rate but project-based rates can be negotiated depending on the scope of work.

Example (Data Entry): Job Title: Data Entry Specialist

Job Summary: We are looking for an efficient Data Entry Specialist to join our team. This role is essential for maintaining accurate and up-to-date records, supporting various departments with their data needs, and ensuring data integrity across all platforms. The ideal candidate will have experience handling and managing large data sets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Accurately input data into our company CRM from inbound emails.

• Verify and correct data discrepancies to maintain data integrity.

• Perform weekly data audits to ensure data accuracy and consistency.

• Collaborate with other team members to support data-related projects and tasks.

• Use Google Sheets or Excel to create daily, weekly, and monthly summaries.

Qualifications:

• Past experience in a similar role.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and CRM software (Zendesk, Hubspot, or Salesforce).

• B2+ English CEFR Qualification

• Strong problem-solving skills and proven ability to meet deadlines.

Include Hours of Operation

When outsourcing to the Philippines, it’s crucial to specify the hours of operation. The Philippines is in the GMT+8 time zone, so consider if the role requires alignment with your business hours or if it offers flexible scheduling.

Example: Working Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM (EST) / 9 PM to 6 AM (GMT+8)

In Conclusion…

Writing an effective job description for outsourced employees in the Philippines requires clarity, specificity, and honesty. By detailing the role, responsibilities, qualifications, and working hours, you set a solid foundation for attracting the right talent. Investing time in crafting detailed job descriptions can significantly increase the efficiency and effectiveness of your recruitment process.

If you need help developing your job description, get in touch: info@panoramaoutsourcing.com.